8:50 pm // Thursday, April 5, 2012

Jack White, interviewed for the New York Times Magazine: “There came a point where I said, ‘If we’re not doing [the White Stripes], we need to put an end to it right now.’ And that’s what [Meg White] wanted to do.” “Meg completely controlled the White Stripes.” “I wrote the White Stripes songs myself. It always felt like the two of us covering my songs.”

please excuse my naivete or ignorance but i must ask why this is posted here. i’m sure it is intended to stimulate some discussion or opinions … but i’m curious about you (jjb) think this fits into the current pumpkin goings-on.

studies show pumpkin fans tend to like the white stripes..the whole pandora thing. the website is trying to entertain fans with something diff and/or get new ones to visit. keeping strictly on pumpkins (despites yes being a pumpkins site) a band whose fan loyalty and size is questionable at best is a dying business model designed to eventually just putter out. it also has to do with jack whites approach and love for music which is what billy is also focused on. they both are going against todays grain staying as pure as they can to art and trying to bring art back. at this point in both their careers thats what they should be trying for. foreget trying for radio and hits rather try for inpiration and change..

@Just_Erick, has there ever been a difference? eg, if Meg White goes out and records a new single, will it sound like the White Stripes? No. Does Jack White’s new song Sixteen Saltines sound like the White Stripes? Yes. It’s the Billy Corgan Collective

@ Johnny-Not sure what is the point you are trying to make. Are you saying that even if it didn’t have the Pumpkins “title” slapped on the music, theexpectation shouldn’t matter? I mean, look at the Coke vs Pepsi argument. Both practically are the same product but its brand loyalty that differentiate’s the two.

In essence-there comes some baggage using The Smashing Pumpkins instead of “Billy Corgan project X.” This has been the main question (criticism?) that Billy has gotten from the 07 re-union. The continuation of the Pumpkins title.

Me as a fan will support whatever Billy makes sure, but I think that Jack White’s quote sparked some truth in me looking at the situation outside in. I mean, what makes the Smashing Pumpkins now? I never considered it just the members but more so the music. I don’t mean to sound redundant but that really is the question that will never get answered. Is the idea/music/culture still the Smashing Pumpkins or is it just a label slapped on with good intentions?

@ Just_Erick, I understand why Billy would want to use the the title/brand name “Smashing Pumpkins” in the public sphere while making his music–I completely agree that, like you said, “it’s brand loyalty that differentiates” people’s reactions to music under that moniker as opposed to Zwan, Spirits in the Sky, Starchildren, Billy Corgan, Corgan and Chamberlin, etc, etc.

In your own words, the question is “Is the idea/music/culture still the Smashing Pumpkins or is it just a label slapped on with good intentions?”
My contention is that any music created by Billy Corgan IS the “idea/music/culture” of the “Smashing Pumpkins”.

In my own subjective experience, “Billy Corgan” music and “Smashing Pumpkins” music are the same. Whatever music he produces follows in the footsteps of the “Smashing Pumpkins” band legacy, and the only thing that varies with the use of different names is the public expectation/attention level.
I understand that very few people agree with me, but when I listen to Smashing Pumpkins or Zwan or theFutureEmbrace, I have the same gut reaction of “this is good, this is something I relate to”, that same addicted feeling. To me, that is the “idea/music/culture” of the Pumpkins–it’s Billy Corgan’s legacy of experimentation and progression as an artist.

especially with songs like DIA and Loki Cat. how am i supposed to NOT feel smashing pumpkins when listening to those songs.

billy’s legacy of experimentation and progression as an artist have been extremely fascinating to watch and i can honestly say ive enjoyed every last bit of it. i think that once the guy is in his 50s or 60s his legacy will begin to be truly appreciated.

i agree – he’s taken a few odd twists and turns but always followed his own path – so in that way cannot really be criticised.

I think it would help his legacy though to “comeback” so to speak with 2 or 3 truly great albums with a new reincarnation of the pumpkins. I’m not talking having to sell like in the 90’s – the market has changed now and will continue to change drastically i would think in the next few years. Just critically acclaimed and more importantly held in esteem by the fans.

I also think he is in the perfect position to do this – after 3 years of laying the foundations and oceania should be the start of that legacy in the bag!!